"Fire, which started in the loft of W.F. Farrell's livery barn, on N. Jefferson street, entirely destroying the barn and threatening the entire business section of the city did about $10,000 damage early Tuesday morning. A majority of the vehicles, buggies and carriages were destroyed along with a large amount of food. The origin of the fire which started in the hay loft has not yet been ascertained, but it is thought to be due to spontaneous combination. The fire was first discovered at about 3:30 o'clock by Night Officers Wallace and Brown, who turned in the alarm."

50 Years Ago

Mexico's proposal to annex land on the east and the legal complications of the town of Vandiver's petition to extend its boundaries will be discussed tonight at the meeting of the Mexico city council. Mexico filed a 300-acre annexation petition in Audrain Circuit Court Friday afternoon, and late Saturday morning Vandiver filed a petition in Audrain County Court to more than double its present size. The county court has set a hearing on the Vandiver petition for Dec. 27. The Mexico petition was filed under the new state statutes which provide for a city resolution, then a suit for declaratory judgment in circuit court, followed by an election. The action by Vandiver was taken before the county court, which incorporated the east Highway 54 area under the village statute in 1956. Further court action may develop from the conflict between the city action and the village action."

25 Years Ago

"The Executive Board of the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting Nov. 18 at the chamber office. Larry Webber, vice president of the economic development division of the chamber, reported on plans for a public economic development update session in January. He suggested that the board of directors consider participating in the Governor's Trade Mission to Japan in February. Terry Schmeltzer, director of economic development for the city, gave a report of business prospect visits and inquiries in October and November."

10 Years Ago

"Senator Kit Bond was in Mexico Monday as the city hosted the first of several meetings planned across Missouri on the economic and environmental benefits of Missouri's biotechnology industry. The meeting took place just two months after Bond visited Mexico to commend the city on its decision to use biodiesel fuels in all of the city's diesel powered vehicles and equipment. Joining Bond at the event were Nicholas Kalaitzandonakes, Associate Professor of Agribusiness at the University of Missouri and Dr. J.S. McLaren of Inverizon.

The Yesterday In Mexico column is published daily in The Mexico Ledger.